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Format: DRM Free ePubVendor: B&H BooksPublication Date: 2012

ISBN: 9781433678646ISBN-13: 9781433678646Availability: In Stock

Publisher's Description

The Insanity of God is the personal and lifelong journey of an ordinary couple from rural Kentucky who thought they were going on just your ordinary missionary pilgrimage, but discovered it would be anything but. After spending over six hard years doing relief work in Somalia, and experiencing life where it looked like God had turned away completely and He was clueless about the tragedies of life, the couple had a crisis of faith and left Africa asking God, "Does the gospel work anywhere when it is really a hard place? It sure didn't work in Somalia.

Nik recalls that, "God had always been so real to me, to Ruth, and to our boys. But was He enough, for the utter weariness of soul I experienced at that time, in that place, under those circumstances?" It is a question that many have asked and one that, if answered, can lead us to a whole new world of faith.

How does faith survive, let alone flourish in a place like the Middle East? How can Good truly overcome such evil? How do you maintain hope when all is darkness around you? How can we say "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world" when it may not be visibly true in that place at that time? How does anyone live an abundant, victorious Christian life in our worlds toughest places? Can Christianity even work outside of Western, dressed-up, ordered nations? If so, how?

The Insanity of God tells a storya remarkable and unique story to be sure, yet at heart a very human storyof the Ripkens own spiritual and emotional odyssey. The gripping, narrative account of a personal pilgrimage into some of the toughest places on earth, combined with sobering and insightful stories of the remarkable people of faith Nik and Ruth encountered on their journeys, will serve as a powerful course of revelation, growth, and challenge for anyone who wants to know whether God truly is enough.

Author Bio

Nik Ripken is the worlds leading expert on the persecuted church in Muslim contexts. He is a missions veteran of 25 years, having served primarily in North Africa and the Middle East. He is the author of many articles and, along with his wife, has done extensive research on the persecuted church, and on Muslim background believers, in approximately 60 countries.

Endorsements

The Insanity of God is a book you could read in a single sitting but you won't. You can't. Time and again you will have to stop, go aside, and weep. At times you will weep for our suffering brothers and sisters around the world who experience persecution for King Jesus as normal Christianity. At other times you will weep for joy at how the gospel continues to run wide across the globe in spite of demonic opposition. And, you will also weep as the anemic and tepid "Christianity" of the American Church is exposed for the shameful counterfeit it too often is. I was literally "undone" by this book. I will not be the same for reading it. Be warned: neither will you!" - Daniel L. Akin
President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

What can I possibly say about this book? It completely and utterly wrecked me. Half the time I found myself sitting in heartbreaking silence on the verge of tears, and the other half I found myself wanting to shout and dance over some of the stories. No one will read this book and be the same person after the last page. If you want a front row seat to the raw, potent, heart transforming power of Jesus, this book is a must read. - Jeff Bethke Author, Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

This is a book that every well-meaning Christian ought to read. It gives the most comprehensive overview of what life is like for the true followers of Jesus who are willing to pay the whole price for following Him. Extremely touching at times. It makes you cry and it makes you laugh. But remember they are your brothers and mine. Therefore we have a responsibility of standing with them as part of the body of Christ worldwide. - Brother Andrew Founder, Open Doors International Author, Gods Smuggler and Secret Believers

The Insanity of God is a compelling, convicting and life changing book. This true story grips you from the introduction and keeps you reading page after page. You will weep as you read about persecution around the world. You will fall under conviction as you read about the commitment of Christians in dark places who risk their own lives to share the good news of Jesus. You will be encouraged as you realize that the power of the gospel supersedes evil and the malevolent intentions of men. In the end you will come away with a renewed sense of faith in God who truly is enough, even in the face of extreme persecution. - Dr. Mac Brunson Pastor, First Baptist Church Jacksonville, FL

In his book, The Insanity of God, Nik Ripkin takes us on a journey of extreme emotional highs and lows to demonstrate that our limited understanding of events in our lives is only one piece of God's larger puzzle of fulfillment and salvation. This book puts our daily struggles into perspective and leaves us inspired and ready for the next challenge. - Dr. Ben Carson, Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D. and Dr. Evelyn Spiro, R.N. Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine President and Cofounder, The Carson Scholars Fund Author, Gifted Hands

Not only was Jesus persecuted, so are his followers to this day around the world. This is a heart-breaking, faith-stretching, insider's look at what it means to pick up your cross and follow Jesus. - Mark Driscoll Founding & Preaching Pastor of Mars Hill Church, Founder of Resurgence, Cofounder of Acts 29, NY Times #1 Best-selling Author

The story is gripping; the crisis is universal. - John Eldredge, Author, Wild At Heart and Beautiful Outlaw

We are in danger of rapidly losing what it means to feel compassion for those held in the grip of sin on this broken planet. After glancing at a few fleeting photos and hearing the usual review of "today's tragedies" on each evening's network news, we casually top off the evening with a little "weather and sports" before plodding off to an undisturbed sleep. But for Jesus, the very sight of those crushed beneath the boot of the Adversary was nothing short of gut-wrenching. He was compelled to do something about it! Now Nik Ripken takes you on a personal, real life journey with Jesus into the dark, back-alleys of human depravity where only Christ's love can overcome. With remarkable clarity, this gifted writer transports you into a world where, through the blood-stained glass of persecution, the light of Christ shines brightly. - Tom Elliff, President, International Mission Board

In The Insanity of God we are reminded of the power of the gospel to save using biographical sketches that most of us in the American church will struggle to comprehend. Deeply moving, intensely powerful and challenging describes the stories contained in these pages. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. This book will help you walk closely with Jesus and challenge you to take great risks for the sake of His name. - Micah Fries Lead Pastor, Frederick Boulevard, St. Joseph, MO

Nik and Ruth Ripken have long been heroes of mine as I have watched and admired them from afar, drawing personal inspiration from their passion, faith, and resilience that comes from the Resurrection Lord they serve. More than once I have been encouraged to keep going, because they kept going, overcoming challenges that would crush lesser souls. In this, I am not alone. Around the world, I have met countless young missionaries who trace their pilgrimage back to the influence of Nik and Ruth.

The Insanity of God merges the Ripkens' story with those of hundreds of other heroes of the faith who did not consider their present sufferings worth comparing to the glory that will one day be revealed in them. These stories bear telling, and hearing, and reproducing. You need to hear these stories that the Ripkins have rescued from this world's prisons, gulags and shadows. I pray that they will do for you what they have done for me: encourage you to shake off your slumber and press on to the high calling that is ours in Christ Jesus. - David Garrison Author, Church Planting Movements

A touching, deeply stirring book about the seriousness of the Great Commission. This book rekindled my passion to do all that God is leading me to do for the nations, to expect and attempt great things. I am grateful for the grace that drips off every page of this great work. - J.D. Greear Lead Pastor, The Summit Church

If there's one thing many desire, it's going deeper and knowing the God of the Bible intimately. When one takes the trip of following Jesus to the ends of the earth, having previously counted the cost, died to self, surrendered fully to His call, they may then know the reality of 2 Timothy 3:12, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." The Insanity of God will stretch you to new places of trusting God for the impossible in reaching the nations, at any cost. - Johnny Hunt Pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA

In this life-changing book, Nik Ripken recounts his adventures as one who walked in faith, hoping against hope, obeying God's call regardless of its costs in hardships, pains, and bewilderments. To the list of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, we may add our contemporaries who took God's Word seriously, and at any cost! I heartily recommend this epic story as a necessary "vitamin" to help Christians live out their faith in this terribly secular age, demonstrating that we walk by faith, and not by sight. - Bassam Michael Madany Middle East Resources

Nik Ripken has told a great story, and in doing so he has made it clear that the question every believer must answer is whether we have the courage to bear the consequences of obediently exercising our freedom to be salt and light to all peoples, wherever they live. Perhaps Nik has put it best when he says, "Perhaps the question should not be, 'Why are others persecuted?' Perhaps the better question is, 'Why are we not?'" - John Maxwell New York Times Best -selling Author

This is not a book. It's a soul earthquake. You don't read it as much as you experience it, and when it's done with you, you'll never be the same. Ripken's story is one of those that shows up once in a generation, and everyone I know needs to read it. 'The Insanity of God' may very well be the book of the century. - Johnnie Moore Vice President, Liberty University Author, Dirty God: Jesus in the Trenches

Once I picked up The Insanity of God I literally could not put it down! After multiple occasions of participating in the Ripken's persecution workshops with our team at East-West Ministries, I thought I was prepared for what I was about to encounter in The Insanity of God. I was wrong. Nik Ripken is truly one of the best, most captivating story tellers that I have ever met. In The Insanity of God, these stories literally come to life, carrying the reader on a dramatic, life-changing missionary journey with Nik and Ruth-across Africa and eventually around the world. But these are not simply their stories, these are God's stories. Reading The Insanity of God led me to a wonderful, fresh encounter with Jesus-and with His calling upon my life to "go and make disciples of ALL nations," especially those in greatest spiritual darkness where persecution of witness for Jesus is most intense. As I read these compelling stories of resurrected faith, I laughed out loud and I wept aloud as well. I felt as though I was right there-literally witnessing each miraculous story unfold right before my eyes. These are God's stories, powerful stories, like those recorded in the Book of Acts, played out in the lives of real, every day men and women all around the world. Men and women whose extraordinary faith in the resurrected Jesus enabled them to endure unspeakable persecution and yet not lose heart. Most of all, these faithful believers did not allow their tormentors to silence their witness for Jesus and for His gospel. The Insanity of God ushers one into a fresh encounter with the Jesus and with the power of His resurrection, with the joy of being called to suffer for His Name, and with a compelling call to "Find Jesus! Find the gospel" -and then to follow Him and serve Him with resurrection faith and resurrection obedience anywhere He leads. - Kurt Nelson President and CEO East-West Ministries International

The Insanity of God is an incredible testimony to God's power to overcome all forms of darkness. No matter your circumstances, you cannot help but be both impressed and overwhelmed with the view Nik Ripken gives us into the circumstances in which believers in persecution live. Yet, this is also a book that is immensely personal as it challenges us all to consider the cost of complacency as compared to the reward of sacrifice. Read and be changed. - Frank S. Page President, SBC Executive Committee

If you think being a God-follower will make life safe and secure, buckle your seat belt. The Insanity of God will jolt you into a new reality and change your life-for the better. Discover the thrill and adventure of following Jesus like you never have before! This book will awaken a new boldness in your spirit. Don't miss out on this amazing message! - Drs. Les Parrott and Leslie Parrott
Authors, Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

The Insanity of God tells an incredible story of faith lived out in the most difficult of circumstances. It showcases the power and glory of God no matter the context, challenge, or opposition. The Ripkens haven't just lived this story, they have been students at each step of the way, learning from those who have suffered most and sharing those lessons with all of us. As a result, you will not be the same person on the last page of this book as you were on the first. You will be struck anew with the unquenchable power of a great God to build His kingdom and bring glory to His name. May we read, may we learn, and may we go forward in the power of Him who brings light to the darkest of places! - Thom S. Rainer President, LifeWay Christian Resources

Priorities: Survive or thrive? Peace or freedom? Death or life? Where can one find that Jesus is really enough? Read The Insanity of God and you'll be surprised how your worldview might change. You might even pray for the persecution of the church by praying that believers in persecution will never stop loving and sharing Jesus. Insane . . . - Steve Ridgway CEO, Open Doors USA

A captivating spiritual diary! Join a journey of discovery how God is spreading his kingdom in the midst of adversity, suffering and even the most atrocious persecution. It shares the experiences made in gathering the wisdom of 700 followers of Christ in 72 countries who are walking with Jesus in hard places. A challenge to radical discipleship! And a helpful source on how to cope with persecution. - Prof. Dr. Christof Sauer International Institute for Religious Freedom Editor, Suffering, Persecution, and Martyrdom

It's true. God's thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8). The Insanity of God is an account of Nik Ripken's life-long and very personal journey of discovery into the ways of God related to persecution and suffering. You've heard that fish are not aware of the water they swim in. Nik chronicles how God has revealed to him the water we all swim in related to persecution in our sojourn in the Kingdom of God on this earth. "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). This book explains why. Just as a pearl is formed from a simple grain of sand with layer upon layer of deposits until it becomes a large and lustrous thing of beauty, God has worked in Nik's life to reveal the beauty of His ways and thoughts which are different from our own. Inspiring. Engaging. Insightful. - Curtis Sergeant International Mission Board irector of Church Planting, Saddleback Church

Jesus' call to discipleship is to come and die. Few Christians take the call literally, but it's not outside the realm of possibility given the current state of the persecuted church. Insanity of God is not for "safe" Christians, or those interested in pursuing comfort over the cross. Be warned, this book is a threat to mediocre, cautious, lukewarm faith. - Ed Stetzer President, LifeWay Research, Author, Subversive Kingdom

The Insanity of God is one of those rare books you'll want to give to everyone you know. But you may feel the need to apologize to those you give it to, knowing it will shake their world! Give it to them anyway. Its message is one every believer needs to hear, and for those who are looking for evidence that God still loves this world, you'll find it here. - Jeff Taylor CEO, Open Doors International

The Ripkens' simple faith and willingness to follow Jesus wherever He said to "Go!" led them to wrestle with and discover some of the deepest truths of the faith. In some of the darkest places on earth members of the persecuted church experience a fellowship with Christ and life in abundance that few of us have known. As a follower of Christ, a husband, a father, and a missionary I was alternately encouraged and convicted by what I read. I am humbled to call the people in the pages of this book my brothers and sisters. This is a book I will read again and again and share with others. - Ryan Williams Executive Director, Leadership Development, Campus Ministry, CRU

I was drawn to this book after reading Nik Ripken's "The Insanity of Obedience." Like that one this volume was also difficult to put down. Using a pseudonym for security reasons, the author is a master storyteller. Following fifteen years of investigative research among persecuted Christians in various parts of the world, he recounts their experiences of suffering for Christ (as well as his own reactions) in vivid detail. I cannot imagine how a genuine believer can read this book without being convicted as to his own minimal level of commitment. What the Western church refers to as "persecution" pales in comparison to what multiplied thousands of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world go through everyday in order to keep the flame of the Gospel burning brightly. Ripken's plea is that we not only seek to identify with these fellow-believers through prayer, but to be willing to suffer with them wherever we are. While our first--and perhaps most natural--response is to work for the release of those held captive by enemies of the faith, the author proposes that we take a step back in order to evaluate how the Lord is using their suffering for the spread the Good News of salvation. That is a fully biblical concept that those of us living within the bubble of our own "comfort zones" tend to overlook! In that respect, "The Insanity of God" (as well as its companion volume) take dead-aim at the so-called "prosperity gospel," which is a gross perversion of New Testament teaching that has unfortunately been imported from America to the rest of the world. An amazing quote that I took from the book is one that of a man who had spent years enduring the loss of all for the sake of Christ told Ripken. It is a message that we who have been given much should take to heart. Referring to the faithful witness of the power of the resurrection, he said, "Don't ever give up in freedom what we would never give up in persecution." The author leaves us asking--or, if we are not, we should be asking--why is it that Western Christians suffer so little for our faith? Several days after closing the book, I am still asking that question. Ripken is clear...the leading cause of Christian persecution is believers' testifying to the reality of Jesus Christ. Were that to stop, persecution would cease. The author admits to sometimes being asked if he thinks Christians in America will one day experience similar persecution as their fellow-believers in other places are now enduring. His reply: "Why would Satan want to wake us up when he has already gotten us to shut up." Anyone with a heart for Christian mission, and especially the persecuted church, should read this book. But be prepared to emerge from its pages a changed person...one whose heart will either be softened or hardened.